Melba L. LacKamp celebrated the joining with her Savior on Monday, May 25, 2015, after a long and happy life. Melba was born Oct. 28, 1919, one of four children from the marriage of Walter M. Kirkpatrick and Marjorie E. Kirkpatrick. Walter built the home in which Melba was born on a farm 4 miles west and one-half mile south of Stafford, Kan.

She moved to Hutchinson with her parents and siblings when she was quite young and resided at 810 East Ave. A until Walter completed their new home at 820 East Ave. A.

Following graduation from Hutchinson High School in 1937, she attended nursing school for a year before marrying her high school sweetheart, William L. (Bill) LacKamp, Jr. Their firstborn, Richard Lee, died at birth. Shortly after the beginning of World War II, Bill joined the Marine Corps and fought in the Pacific Theatre until VJ Day. Carol, their next born, was almost 5 years old when he returned from the war. Soon after, Bill and Melba moved to her birthplace outside Stafford, where they operated the family farm. William Dean and Donald Ray were born in 1946 and 1948 respectively. All children graduated from Stafford High School.

Melba used her nursing skills working for hospitals in Stafford and Pratt. The marriage of 25 years ended in 1964. Melba never remarried. In 1980, she moved off the farm to Hutchinson. She immediately went to work for Hutchinson Hospital until she retired when she was about 65 years old. Retirement didn't sit well for Melba and she joined the Hutchinson Walmart, where she managed the greeting card department for over 15 years, retiring at age 82.
Throughout Melba's life her passion was gardening, vegetables and flowers, on the farm and at her home in Hutchinson. She was also avid about her birds, making sure that fresh water and food was available all year round. She has been known to "plink" a stray cat that threatened her flock. Melba was a devoted Christian, a devoted mother and a friend to anyone she made contact with; never knowing a stranger.

She is survived by her three children, Donald Ray (Robin), Andover, Carol, Denver Colo., and William, Hutchinson; grandchildren, Lee Hildebrand (Kirsten), Lisa Alles (Greg) and Grant LacKamp (Ali); as well as many great-grandchildren. Her sister Madelyn Hurn, Lenexa, also survives her. She was preceded
in death by her parents; and two brothers, Donald and Meredith Kirkpatrick.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 30, 2015, at Elliott Chapel with Pastor Jonathan Faulkner presiding. Burial will be in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum. Friends may sign the book Wednesday through Saturday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, Stafford, or the Kansas Humane Society, both in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.